Why pretending not to see race creates systemic inequality
In short: In finance, there is a saying that the numbers don't lie. While many prefer a "color-blind" approach to society, the data reveals a different story of deep-seated disparities in wealth and corporate leadership that ignoring race only serves to perpetuate.
Mellody Hobson, a finance executive, describes the topic of race as a "conversational third rail"—something so sensitive that people often avoid it entirely. However, she argues that this avoidance is a learned behavior called "color-blindness." By pretending not to notice race, society fails to address the underlying mechanisms that maintain inequality. Hobson contends that the first step toward any meaningful action or solution is awareness, rather than hiding from the discomfort the subject causes.
The reality of these disparities is evidenced by stark statistics in the American corporate landscape. While white men make up only 30% of the US population, they hold 70% of all corporate board seats. Furthermore, out of the thousands of publicly traded companies in the United States, only two are chaired by black women. In the Fortune 250, there are only seven minority CEOs. These figures suggest that "color-blindness" does not equate to fairness; instead, it masks a persistent lack of opportunity for minority groups.
Hobson’s perspective is shaped by both personal experience and professional observation. She recounts a 2006 incident where she and a friend were asked to wear "uniforms" at a media lunch, an experience she attributes to a "ruthlessly realistic" upbringing. Her goal in speaking openly is not to complain, but to use these facts to ensure that future generations are not robbed of their opportunities. She advocates for being "color brave"—confronting the data and the history of race head-on to build better businesses and a more equitable society.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Mellody Hobson: Color blind or color brave?
- Also: Be color brave, not color blind: Mellody Hobson at TED2014 | TED Blog
- Also: Color blind or color brave? | Mellody Hobson
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